Discover Cape Cod's Iconic Lighthouses
Cape Cod is home to some of New England’s most iconic lighthouses, standing as historic beacons along its rugged coastline. From the towering Highland Light to the picturesque Nauset Light, these landmarks have guided sailors for centuries. Explore the rich maritime history and scenic beauty of Cape Cod’s lighthouses.
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Nauset Light
Eastham, Massachusetts
Standing proudly on the sandy bluffs of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Nauset Light is a beacon of maritime heritage and coastal beauty. With a history spanning over 150 years, this iconic lighthouse has guided ships safely along the rugged coastline, weathering storms and bearing witness to the passage of time.
Interactive Map: Cape Cod Lighthouses
Cape Cod's Most Popular Lighthouses
Cape Cod boasts some of the most famous lighthouses in New England. Highland Light, the Cape’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, offers breathtaking ocean views. Nauset Light, with its distinctive red and white tower, is a beloved local landmark.
Race Point Light, located on the remote sands of Provincetown, provides a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience. Chatham Light, an active Coast Guard station, overlooks the shifting sands of Chatham Bars. Each of these historic beacons offers a glimpse into Cape Cod’s rich maritime heritage.
The History of Cape Cod Lighthouses
Cape Cod’s lighthouses have been guiding ships through the treacherous waters off Massachusetts for over two centuries. The region’s shifting sands, strong currents, and frequent storms made navigation especially dangerous, leading to the construction of numerous lighthouses along the Cape’s coastline.
The first lighthouse on Cape Cod, Highland Light, was built in 1797 in Truro. It was later rebuilt in 1857 and remains the Cape’s tallest lighthouse. Over time, erosion threatened many lighthouses, requiring some to be moved inland to prevent them from falling into the sea. Nauset Light, originally part of the Three Sisters lighthouses, was relocated in 1923 and again in 1996 to save it from coastal erosion.
Chatham Light, first built in 1808, has long guarded the shifting sandbars of Chatham, one of the Cape’s most hazardous maritime areas. Meanwhile, Race Point Light, constructed in 1816, served as a navigational aid for ships navigating the northern tip of the Cape.
Today, many of Cape Cod’s lighthouses are preserved as historic sites, offering visitors a chance to explore their storied past. While some remain active aids to navigation, they also serve as enduring symbols of Cape Cod’s deep maritime heritage.
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Cape Cod Lighthouse FAQs
Can you visit lighthouses on Cape Cod?
Yes! Several Cape Cod lighthouses are open to the public. Highland Light and Nauset Light offer seasonal tours where visitors can climb the towers for stunning views. Race Point Light is accessible by foot or over-sand vehicle, and Chatham Light can be viewed from the outside, as it remains an active Coast Guard station.
How many lighthouses are on Cape Cod?
Cape Cod is home to 14 lighthouses, each with a unique history. Some of the most well-known include Highland Light in Truro, Nauset Light in Eastham, Chatham Light, and Race Point Light in Provincetown. These lighthouses have helped guide mariners through the Cape’s dangerous waters for centuries.
Why was Nauset Light moved?
Due to coastal erosion, Nauset Light was moved in 1996 to prevent it from falling into the sea. Originally part of the Three Sisters lighthouses, it was relocated further inland in Eastham. Today, it remains one of the Cape’s most iconic and photographed lighthouses, continuing to serve as a navigational aid.